June 3, 2006

Tony Race Heats Up Between JB & DC

June 3rd, 2006

According to NY Post’s Michael Riedel, it appears the hottest topic on Broadway now is the Tony race between Jersey Boys and The Drowsy Chaperone. Industry pundits and Tony voters are all over the place with their predictions. (We all know it’s a lot more than just a “jukebox musical,” but that’s another story…)

Supporters of Jersey Boys, which tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, praise its slick staging, its funny and compelling script and its effective use of pop classics such as “My Eyes Adored You,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Rag Doll.” On the other hand, it’s still a jukebox musical, which is a lower form of musical theater disdained by purists.

Drowsy supporters say it’s the only original musical of the season – that is, it’s not based on a movie or catalog of songs. The story of a lonely man and his obsessive love for an old 1920s musical, which he re-creates for the audience, Drowsy is imaginative, funny and poignant, its champions say. Detractors complain that the show within the show is a weak parody of an old musical and that the score is thin.

Since the Tony race is so close, some theater people wonder if the balance will be tipped by how the industry feels about the people behind each show.

Both the producer of Drowsy Chaperone - Kevin McCollum – and the producer of Jersey Boys - Michael David – are controversial figures on Broadway. According to Riedel, both David and McCollum are keeping low profiles as the Tony race enters its final week!

Thus far, the score is tied–JB received honors from the Drama League and Outer Critics circle; DC picked up honors from the New York Drama Critics’ Circle and the Drama Desk.

Any predictions as to which hit will go home with the Best Musical prize?

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